Throughout my life I have witnessed how hate can consume and destroy people’s lives.  

It seems like the power of hate has multiplied greatly in the past decade. The words we speak to each other or behind each other’s back can be paralyzing.   

I looked up the definition of Hate at Vocabulary.com.

The noun for Hate is: the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action.

The verb for Hate is: dislike intensely; feels antipathy or aversion towards.

I found it very interesting that the online dictionary listed Love as the antonym for Hate.

I was curious to see what the bible had to say about Hate.  Hate shows up in the bible many times.  From the beginning of time there has been a battle between Love and Hate!  God warns us through many bible verses that Hate is a heart issue. We are encouraged not to hold on to hate, but to forgive one another.  Forgiving allows hate not to grow and take over our hearts.

We are encouraged to Love our Enemies.

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:27-28 NIV

This can be really hard to do; especially when you are right in the middle of being hurt.  This past week I experienced actions of hate from the people in my daily life. It is heartbreaking when you feel like you are being criticized, tore down, or made fun of behind your back.  It hurts more, when your child is bullied or marked as an outcast. As a parent you just want to stop the pain, and fix their broken heart.

Protect our hearts.  

If God says hate is a heart issue then holding on to un-forgiveness does not hurt or affect the person that hurt us at all.  They may not even know how much they have hurt us or even care. Holding on to the hate and anger can only harm us. It can be paralyzing. It makes it hard for us to move on or function in daily life. When someone is hateful towards us, it is very important for us to forgive them.  Forgiveness is for our benefit, it frees us to live, to love.  By forgiving someone, it shows an inner-strength.  It is also important to remember that we are all guilty and only through Christ is God able to forgive us.  

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Words we speak are very powerful.

My challenge to you is
to use your words wisely.
Put yourself in someone
else’s shoes before
judging them.
Instead of criticisms,
you might find
compassion.

Wednesday Grace